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2023 Commencement Important Dates and Deadlines

Date/Deadline Activity/Task
August 30 Deadline for Applications for Fall Graduates 
November 30 Deadline for Applications for Spring Graduates
February 23 Prospective Graduates Meeting (4:30 p.m.) virtual
February - April

Assessment Days

  • NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) 
  • ACAT (Area Concentration Achievement Tests) and MFT (Major Fields Tests) 
  • CSS (College Senior Survey) Prospective Graduates
February 1 - February 4

Prospective Graduates Picture Day
(12:00 noon - 7:00 p.m.)

Willie E. Gary Student Union Center – Ballroom (top floor café)

Register at:
https://www.terrencejonesphoto.com/shaw-senior-photo
February 1 – March 1
Order Academic Regalia & Invitations/Announcements 
https://collegegrad.herffjones.com/
Deadline: March 1st
April 1  Start Graduation Clearance Process
April 20 University Awards Day  
April 29 Final Exam Begin for Prospective Graduates
May 1 - May 8 Final Clearance Process
May 3 - May 12

Academic Regalia available for pick-up at the University Bookstore 

Willie E. Gary Student Center – Lower Level

Students must be fully cleared for graduation, including all grades posted

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM    
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – Friday, May 15, 2023

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM    
Monday May 8, 2023 & Tuesday, May 9, 2023

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 & Friday, May 12, 2023

May 12

Baccalaureate Service (9:30 a.m.)

Thomas J. Boyd Chapel  

May 12
Commencement Rehearsal  (2:00 p.m.)

C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium

May 13 Commencement Exercise (10:00 a.m.)
Raleigh Convention Center
Students should arrive to the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium no later than 8:00 AM